ZAMBOANGA CITY: A proposal open peace negotiations with Abu Sayyaf and grant amnesty to its militants is causing a demoralization in the police and military in the southern Philippines, say some lawmakers.

Sen. Richard Gordon has proposed to grant amnesty to members of the terrorist group after the recent release of kidnapped Italian aid worker Eugenio Vagni following six months in captivity in the southern island of Sulu.

Sulu Deputy Gov. Nur Ana Sahidulla also proposed to open up peace talks with the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of kidnappings and bombings in Mindanao.

“We cannot afford to hold peace talks with Abu Sayyaf; or worse, allow them to be granted amnesty,” said one government soldier who did not want to be named.

Another policeman said he feels demoralized because the state should not consider peaceful gestures toward a group that has “murdered innocent civilians, innocent Muslims.”

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan has also opposed any amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf, saying the government does not negotiate with terrorists. He blamed Abu Sayyaf for bomb attacks and kidnappings in his province.

Tan, backed by the government, has declared a state of emergency in Sulu to allow authorities to run after Abu Sayyaf supporters who are providing them refuge.

Philippine authorities said the Abu Sayyaf has links with the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiya.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has also rejected any amnesty with the Abu Sayyaf and takes a hawkish stance on going after militants and their supporters.

Secretary Avelino Razon, the presidential peace adviser, also rejected amnesty proposal to the Abu Sayyaf, saying it goes against the government’s policy.

It was unknown whether the proposed amnesty or peace talks with the Abu Sayyaf would affect US military assistance to the Philippines.

Philippine authorities said several Jemaah Islamiya militants who are wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002, has joined Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

The US is offering at least $16 million in rewards for their capture.